New Ministry for Vulnerable Children, Oranga Tamariki launched

Minister for Children Anne Tolley officially launched the new Ministry for Vulnerable Children, Oranga Tamariki, on March 31.

“This is the start of a four to five year major transformation programme to build a more child-centred care and protection system, focusing on harm and trauma prevention and early intervention, rather than crisis management. The Ministry for Vulnerable Children, Oranga Tamariki will also be a single point of accountability for children and young people where it will be easier for them to raise concerns or complaints. Children and young people will also have access to a new independent advocacy service, VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai," noted Anne Tolley.

The Ministry for Vulnerable Children, Oranga Tamariki will focus on five core services - prevention, intensive intervention, care support, youth justice, and transition support into adulthood.

Further reforms are currently before Select Committee which will enable:

• Young people to remain in care or return to care up until the age of 21, with transition support and advice available up to the age of 25
• The establishment of an information sharing framework to keep vulnerable children and young people safe from harm